How Poor Weather Conditions Can Contribute to Catastrophic Auto Accidents

By Steve Charpentier on May 03, 2014

There are many possible causes of car, truck, and motorcycle accidents, from driver distractions to speeding. One of the causes that has been present since the first automobile hit the roadway is poor weather. Even the safest, most well-designed automobiles driven by the most conscientious drivers are not immune to slick roads, poor visibility in fog, and the effects of heavy rain, snow, sleet, and hail. As you can then imagine, when negligence and recklessness enter into the picture during inclement weather, the risk of accidents rises substantially.

At the Charpentier Law Firm in Melbourne, auto accidents in which poor weather was a contributing factor commonly serve as grounds for civil claims. Our experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys have successfully handled numerous auto accident cases involving poor weather conditions, and can help you if you or a member of your family has been injured in such an accident. Our exceptional accident reconstruction and investigation services enable us to present the strongest cases possible on behalf of injured victims and their families.

The Role Poor Weather Can Play in Auto Accidents

When weather conditions are poor, drivers are expected to exercise extreme caution in operating their vehicles. The customary rules of the road are no longer necessarily sufficient to protecting drivers and their passengers. For example, driving at the posted maximum speed may actually constitute speeding, depending on the weather and road. Among the poor weather conditions that may require drivers to be exceptionally vigilant and careful are:

Heavy fog

Ice on the roads, particularly when it is virtually impossible to detect (“black ice”)

Heavy rain, sleet, snow, or hail

Fresh rainfall, as it brings the oil on roads to the surface, making them extremely slippery

Strong winds, which can be especially dangerous to commercial trucks and other large vehicles

These weather conditions make driving dangerous enough. When drivers don’t exercise due caution in these conditions, catastrophic accidents become increasingly likely. Acts of negligence such as the following can heighten the risk of auto accidents:

Speeding, which in this case includes driving at any speed that is unsafe for the conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit

Driving too close to other vehicles

Failure to keep one’s eyes on the road, whether due to technological distractions such as smartphone use or conversations with vehicle occupants

Failure to use chains on tires when required

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident in which poor weather conditions coupled with another driver’s negligence was a contributing factor, the skilled auto accident lawyers of the Charpentier Law Firm would welcome the opportunity to fight for your rights. We can help you pursue the full measure of damages to which you are entitled, potentially including compensation for your medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and other losses and expenses.